Velocipede



(NoModeL) I H. OVE-RMAN.

VELIOOIPEDB.

No. 331,274.. Patent-611M117,1 83..

I A M UNI ED STATES PATENT OFFICE. h

ALBERT H. ,OVERMA or NEWTON, Assienon TO THE OVERMAN {WHEEL COMPANY, on BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS;

VELOCIX'PEYDE.

SPECIFICATION forming part of Letters Patent No. 381,274, dated April 17, less. 7

Application filed September 8,1887. Serial No. 249.064. (No model.)

' 5 tain new and useful Improvements in Velocipede-Braces, and I do declare the following to be-a full, clear, and'exact description of the same, reference being had to the accompanyingdrawing, which forms a part of thisspecification. My invention relates to an improvement in -velocipedes, the object being to provide for the preservation of their structural integrity under the weight of the rider and under all other strains to which they are subjectedin use.

With these ends in view my invention consistsi'n a brace including a ball-bearinglocated at one of its ends andinterposed between the crank-axle and the main axle of the vehicle.

My invention further consists in certain details of construction and combinations ofparts, as will be hereinafter described, and ,25 pointed out in the claims. The accompanying drawing isabroken View, 1

partly in side elevation and partlyin section,

showing the application to a tricycle'of abrace embodying my inventibn.

As herein shown, the brace consists, inpart, of a ball-bearing of any approved construction having a casing, A, provided at its forward edge with lugs B B, which are vertically perforated. The brace further consists of a sectional adjustable rod composed of a forward section, 0, having an eye, D, at its forward end and threaded at its rear end, a rear section, E, having an eye,- F, at its rear end and threaded at its forward end, and a sleeve, G, having its respective ends interiorly threaded in opposite directions to receive the ends of .the said sections, which are also oppositelyv threaded, respectively, the said rear section of the rod being pivoted to the casing of the bearing by a bolt, H, passing through the lugs B B and eye F, as shown.- Under this construction the bearing is located in the same line with the. rod, and therefore takes all bracingstrains through its center.-

crank-axle from being drawn together by the "chain when the same is under the tension imposed upon it by the heavy pressure of the over aYsprocket-wheel, O, moun'tedon the. crank-axle, also runs over a similar sprocket:

wheel, P, mounted on the-driving-axle, the crankaxle carrying crank-arms Q IQ/provide with pedals'R B at their outer ends.

' The brace prevents the mainv axle and the rider upon the pedals, and this without any.

bindingeft'ect in the brace, which is relieved fromthat-bythe ball-bearing. The structural integrity of, the frame is thus at all times pre served, and racking and wear are reduced to theminimum, By turning the sleeve of 'the brace-rodthe same may be'lengthened or short ened, and so conform to the exact require inents'of tension at all times and 'to wear in the chain. I

. The forward end of the brace may be shifted in its attachment to any other point so long as I the brace is kept in the generatline of the strain betweenthe two axles. The particular construction of the ball-bearing and rod may also vary from what is shown herein. I'would therefore have itunderstood that I do not limit myself to the exact construction herein shown and described, but. hold myself at liberty to make such changes and alterations as fairly fall within the spirit and. scope of my invention. f

" Having fullydescribed my-invention, what I y claim as new, and desire to secure by Letters Patent, isr I r I 1'. ma velocipede', a brace consisting of arod and a ball-bearing directly connected with: 7

one end thereof and situated between'the main axle and the crank-axle of the vehicle, substantially as set forth. p g 2. In a velocipede, a brace consisting of an adjustable'rod and a ball-bearinglocatedat iss end of such rod, the brace being interposed between the main axle and the driving-axle of the vehicle, substantially as set forth,

In testimony whereof I have signed this 15 specification in the presence of two subscribing witnesses.

v ALBERT H. OVERMAN.

Witnesses:

LUTHER WHITE, FLOYD HILL. 

